The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-14
RETALIATION.
The President Addresses = Letter to the
Massachusetts, Fishermen on the Subject.
of Retaliation-New England Excited.

Ine tFestutut Aa0Erssc@ - LctGcE 10 Inv
Massachusetts Fishermen on the Subject
of Retaliation-New England Excited.
WASHINGTON, April 9-The President,
having received communication from the
American Fisheries Union OF Massachu-
sets, calling attention TO the fisheries dis
pute and suggesting that the Retaliatory
act, passed by the last Congress would, in
their opinion, be sufficiently executed if the.
proposed retaliation was confined to the
closing of United States markets to Cana
dian fish products, has made the following
answer:
George Steele, Esq, President AneriedH Fisherisss
Union and Others Gloucester Mass:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, April z.
Gentlemen: Ihave received your letter lately
addressed IL me, and have given full constdera-
ton TO the expression OF the views and wishes
therein contained in relation to the existing
differences between the Governments Of Great.
Britain and the United States, growing out of
the refusal to award 10 our citizens engaged in
fishing enterprises the privileges TO which they
are entitled either under treaty stipulations-
or the guarantees OF international comfy
and neighborly concessions. / sincerely
trust the apprehension you express of unjust
and unfriendly treatment OF American fisher
men lawfully found in Canadian waters will not.
be realized But il such apprehension should
prove to be wen founded, earnestly hope that.
40 fault or inconsiderate action Of any Of our
citizens will in the least weaken the Just posi-
tion Of our Government, or deprive US of the
universal sympathy and support to which we,
should be entitled.
The action OF this administration since June,
1885, when the fishery articles OF the treaty Of
1871 were terminated under the notification
which had two years before been given by our
Government, has been fully disclosed by the
correspondence between the representatives
and the appropriate departments Of the re-
spective Governments, with which, / am
apprised by your letter, you are entirely famil-
lar. An examination of this correspondence
has doubtless satisfied you that in case
have the rights privileges OF American
fishermen been overlooked or neglected, but
that on the contrary, they have been
sedulously insisted upon and cared for by
every means within the control of the.
executive branch OF the Government. The act
Of Congress approved March g. 1887, authorizing
course Of retaliation through executive action
In the event OF a continuance on the part of the
Br1tish-American authorities of unfriendly con-
duct and treaty violations affecting American
fishermen, has devolved upon the President of
the United States exceedingly grave and solemn
responsibilities, comprehending highly impor-
tant consequences TO our national character and
dignity, and involving extremely valuable com
mercial intercourse between the British pos
sessions of North America and the people of the,
United States.
understand the main purpose of your letter
is TO suggest that in recourse to the retalia
tory measures authorized by this act should be-
invited by unjust treatment of our fishermen in
the future, the object of such retaliation might
be fully accomplished by ''prohibting Canadian
caught fish from entry into the ports of tho
United States" The existing controversy is
one in which two nations are the parties con-
cerned- The retaliation contemplated by the
Of COnprpSS iS ~ enforced N cot
solely any particular interest, however meri-
torious valuable, but to maintain the ma
tional honor. andThus protect all our people. In
this view the violation of American fishery
rights and unjust and unfriendly acts toward
portion of our citizens engaged in this bust
ness is but the occasion for action and cOnsti-
tutes national af1ront which gives birth to or
may justify retaliation. This measure once re
sorted to, its effectiveness and value may we'll
depend upon the thOroughness and extent of it's
application; and in the performance of inter
national duties the enforcement of interna-
tional rights and the protection of our citizens
this Government and the people of the United
States must act as a initial intent upon at
tanning the best result of retaliation upon the
basis of a mainten ance of national honor and
duty.
A nation seeking by any means to maintain
its honor, dignity and integrity is engaged IN
protecting the rights of its people; and il in
SuCH lulcTtSlS anu
special advantages forfeited. these things should
be periodically borne for the public good. An
immense volume OF population, manufacturers
and agricultural productions, and the marine
tonnage and railways to which these have given
activity, all largely the result of intercourse be-
tween the United States and British America,
and the natural growth OF a full half century OF
good neighborhood and friendly communication,
form an aggregate Of material wealth and
incidental relations Of most impressive
magnitude. 1 fully appreciate these things,
and not unmindful of the great,
number of our people who are
concerned in such vast and diversified interests
In the performance of the serious duty which
the Congress has imposed upon me, and in the
exercise upon just occasion OF the power con-
ferred under the act referred to, / shall deem
myself bound to inflict no unnecessary damage
or injury upon any portion of our people; but L
shall, nevertheless, be unflinchingy guided by
q sense of what the self-respect and dignity OF
the Nation demands. In the maintenance OF
these, and in the support of the honor Of the
Government beneath which every citizen may
repOse in safety, no sacrifice OF personal or phi
vate interests shall be considered as against the
general welfare. Yours very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND
NEW ENGLAND EXCITED.
GLOUCESTER, Mass, April S.-The firing
upon an American schooner by the cruiser
Vigilant has aroused Gloucester, and there
is a renewed demand for non-inter-
course President Steele, Of the Amer
lean Fishery Union, said he hoped vess
sells would be seized if caught within
the three-mile limit. ''What we WANT
said he, lis non-intercourse. Let our
vessels stay away from Canadian shores
altogether. We don't want their bait. We,
have vessel fitting away here to-day that
will take traps TO Bar Harbor and that
locality and catch their own bait. That is
what we want all the fishermen to do
patronize home industries and encourage.
coI ia